New Zealand hit France with full force

A dominant second-half display has seen New Zealand slam the French XIII in today's Four Nations clash in Toulouse to the tune of 62-12.

Proceedings were relatively close in the first forty, the French able to keep pace with the World Cup winners and only trailed 16-6 at the break. James Wynne did well just after the break and France were on the board first after halftime, a 16-12 scoreline giving the home side hope of an unlikely victory.

The hope was to end there, however, as much like last week against England, the French faltered badly in the remaining 35 minutes. The Kiwis went straight on the attack in the minutes after tries to Sam Perrett (his second), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Frank-Paul Nuuasuala, Lance Hohaia and then Junior Sau saw the New Zealanders reach 46-12 after just 62 minutes. France's resolved strengthened for a ten minute period before three late tries - Waerea-Hargreaves' double, Perrett's third and a four-pointer for goalkicker Bryson Goodwin saw the Kiwis demolish the Tricolours comprehensively in the end.

France's tournament hopes ended with the emphatic but expected loss, and they will be out to save some face in Paris next week when they host Australia at Charlety Stadium. New Zealand head back to England to face the host nation - the winner certain to earn a place in the final at Leeds on November 14.

Match Details New Zealand 62 def France 12 Four Nations Round 2 - Sunday November 1st, 2009 04:00am Venue: Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse, France Referee: Shayne Hayne (AUS) Sideline Officials: Alan Shortall (AUS) & Clint Sherrard (ENG) Video Referee: Phil Bentham (ENG) Crowd: Approx 13,000 Halftime: France 6 New Zealand 16

France 12 Tries: Sebastien Martins, James Wynne Goals: Thomas Bosc (2/2) New Zealand 62 Tries: Benji Marshall, Sam Perrett (3), Lance Hohaia (2), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (2), Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Junior Sau, Bryson Goodwin Goals: Bryson Goodwin (9/11)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Sam Perrett (New Zealand) 2 Points: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (New Zealand) 1 Point: Jamal Fakir (France)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary You can discuss the Four Nations tournament as well as the other International Rugby League being played right now - including the Pacific Cup and European Cups - simply click here!

FRANCE: (squad only) Kane Bentley, Andrew Bentley, Thomas Bosc, Vincent Duport, Olivier Elima (capt), Jamal Fakir, Romain Gagliazzo, Clint Greenshields, Maxime Greseque, Mathieu Griffi, Sebastien Martins, Christophe Moly, Dimitri Pelo, Teddy Sadaoui, Artie Shead, Cyril Stacul, Julien Touxagas, Frederic Vaccari, Constant Villegas NEW ZEALAND: 1. Lance Hohaia 2. Sam Perrett 3. Steve Matai 4. Junior Sau 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Benji Marshall 7. Nathan Fien 8. Frank-Paul Nuuausala 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Fuifui Moimoi 11. Iosia Soliola 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Adam Blair Interchange: 14. Issac Luke 15. Greg Eastwood 16. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 17. Ben Matulino.

It's an interesting game we've got lined up here, with both sides fighting to stay alive in the competition.

We'll be underway soon. Sorry for the slow start.

6 min: TRY New Zealand The captain gets the first try off the match following some good work from Leuluai. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin unsuccessful. New Zealand 4-0

11 min: TRY New Zealand The Kiwis doing everything right so far, Marshall bombs to the corner to send Perrett over. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 10-0

21 min: TRY France Some great passing finds Raguin over the line to open the account for France. Did well to go through some good defence. Conversion attempt by Thomas Bosc successful. New Zealand 10-6

39 min: TRY New Zealand Hohaia getting on the board right before the break, breaking the French hearts. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 16-6

Half Time France are definitely showing competitive signs, but New Zealand are just that little bit too good so far.

Second half underway.

43 min: TRY France A great start to the second half, Wynne taking a bomb that Soliola couldn't handle. Conversion attempt by Thomas Bosc successful. New Zealand 16-12

50 min: TRY New Zealand A second try for Perrett here, maybe they'll start to run away with this. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 22-12

53 min: TRY New Zealand A great grab of the loose ball from young Waerea-Hargreaves sends New Zealand into comfortable territory. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 28-12

58 min: TRY New Zealand Nuuausala bashing his way a bit too easily over the line there. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 34-12

60 min: TRY New Zealand Now Hohaia breaks through to score, France drop their heads. A shame to see. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 40-12

62 min: TRY New Zealand A great offload grab from Perrett gives Sa'u a nice try, continuing this onslaught. Conversion attempt by successful. New Zealand 46-12

Waerea-Hargreaves close to scoring in the 72nd, will be a knock on.

75 min: TRY New Zealand Perrett gets his third try following some passing out wide. He was able to beat a few to get the ball down. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin unsuccessful. New Zealand 50-12

77 min: TRY New Zealand Goodwin finally getting a try of his own, after various checks with the video referee. With the kick this puts him to 20 points. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 56-12

79 min: TRY New Zealand Jared Waerea-Hargreaves finishes this memorable night off with some great movements, continually keeping the ball alive. Conversion attempt by Bryson Goodwin successful. New Zealand 62-12

That's full time, New Zealand running away with it in the second half scoring 46 consecutive points.

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